I am of the opinion that non-bumiputeras should be recognised holistically as Malaysia citizens with equal rights as we have contributed much to the development of the country.

I believe (and the prime minister, too) that non-bumiputeras have contributed tremendously to the high productivity and modernisation of the Malaysian economy. The statistics don't lie.

The number of non-bumiputera companies - either small and medium or large - with strong intrinsic values are mostly non-bumiputera. And if you were to analyse the Malaysian economy in detail, you will find that non-bumiputeras not only survive but prevail under a government policy which discriminates against them.

The retail and the export industry, which do not depend hand-outs from government, are mostly dominated by non-bumiputeras. Just compare Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam and you will see the difference in the dynamics of economy.

As a non-bumiputera entrepreneur, I am immensely proud that some of the top non-bumi entrepreneurs in Malaysia are able to compete with the best in the world without government hand-outs.

In terms of our industrial prowess, our entrepreneurial spirit, our business acumen and our ability to survive and prevail under discriminatory policies, we non-bumiputeras are hands down the clear winners

Our prime minister always talks about the evil of money politics in Umno. It will never end as long as there the NEP/NDP policy. This is because the NEP/NDP policy is the root cause of all corruption.

The government is trying very hard to help bumiputera entrepreneurs. No doubt about that, but with the 'get rich quick mentality' prevalent among them, it has instead clearly helped the well- connected to get rich quick without doing anything.

For this group, it is 'not what you know, it is who you know'. This becomes the main theme for their business policies. With that kind of mindset, you have a group of people paying their way to obtain a contract and not learning anything after getting the contract.

Proton's slogan 'Dare to be daring' is indeed apt for bumiputera entrepreneurs. They must wean themselves off the NEP/NDP and learn to survive and prevail on their own in the process gaining the respect of the international community.